Mountbatten to introduce foam-ball-only pickleball sessions in mornings & evenings amid noise concerns

Mountbatten residents can expect quieter pickleball sessions at community courts after Mountbatten SMC Member of Parliament Gho Sze Kee announced new measures to address noise-related feedback.

In a Facebook post on Apr. 11, Gho said the issue was one of the first she encountered upon assuming office, describing it as highly divisive among residents.

"The pickleball issue landed like a hot potato onto my lap on my very first day," she wrote.

While some have called for a complete ban on pickleball, others have opposed any form of restriction.

"Some residents want it banned outright, some players refuse any sort of restrictions on their game. There is simply no pleasing everybody. The path of least resistance would have been to simply tally up the numbers on both sides and side with the larger group.

But this is NOT the right thing to do."

She emphasised that Singapore’s high-density living environment necessitates mutual consideration.

Foam balls to reduce noise

As a compromise, Mountbatten Town Council will introduce designated foam-ball-only play times from 7am to 10am, and 7pm to 9pm, at community courts.

In between those periods, players are free to use any type of pickleball balls.

Play time for each group will also be limited to two hours .

While the move may not please everyone, Gho said it reflects a broader principle of "give-and-take" among residents.

Gho noted that authorities will continue to monitor the situation and tweak measures where necessary, including adjusting play timings and enforcing rules more strictly.

Players who "repeatedly demonstrate inconsiderate behaviour", such as using loudhailers at courts, could face bans from booking facilities.

At the same time, grassroots groups will continue promoting quieter alternatives, including distributing foam balls and supporting "silent pickleball" initiatives.

Ongoing tensions over pickleball noise

This update from Mountbatten comes amid a wider debate over pickleball in Singapore, as the sport’s rapid growth and resulting noise concerns clash with estate living.

In October 2025, more than 1,200 people signed a petition calling for longer playing hours at HDB courts, arguing that restrictions between 10am and 8pm limit access for working adults.

However, noise complaints have also surged, with hundreds of cases reported to authorities over recent years.

Town councils across Singapore have responded with measures ranging from restricted hours to outright bans at some locations.

Gho acknowledged that not all residents will be satisfied, but expressed confidence that most are willing to find common ground.

"A spirit of kindness and consideration for our neighbours is the only way we can make our community a gracious and comforting place to live," she wrote.